Probiotic strain and antimicrobial peptide derived therefrom

Abstract

A strain of Enterococcus mundtii has probiotic qualities. The strain of E. mundtii (ST4SA) produces an antimicrobial peptide which exhibits antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria. An isolated nucleotide sequence codes for the antimicrobial peptide (peptide ST4SA). A process is also provided for the production of a peptide which comprises cultivating Enterococcus mundtii strain ST4SA in a nutrient medium under micro-aerophilic conditions at a temperature of between 10° C. and 45° C., until a recoverable quantity of the peptide is produced, and recovering the peptide. The isolated peptide may be used as an antimicrobial agent in a liquid formulation or a gel formulation as a topical treatment and may also be used as an antimicrobial agent following encapsulation in a polymer.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating a bacterial infection in an animal or human, the method including the step of exposing an infected area of the animal or human to a substance or composition including a therapeutically effective amount of a substantially pure culture of  Enterococcus mundtii  strain ST4SA deposited with the ATCC under the assigned number PTA-7278, said culture capable of producing peptide ST4SA in a recoverable quantity upon fermentation in a nutrient medium containing assimilable sources of carbon, nitrogen, and inorganic substances. 
     
     
       2. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cultured strain is included in a concentration of approximately 10 6  to 10 9  cfu (colony forming units) per ml. 
     
     
       3. The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the cultured strain is included in a concentration of approximately 10 8  cfu (colony forming units) per ml. 
     
     
       4. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the bacterial infection is an infection caused by any one or more of:  Acinetobacter baumanii; Bacillus cereus; Clostridium tyrobutyricum; Enterobacter cloacae; Escherichia coli; Klebsiella pneumonia; Lactobacillus casei; Lactobacillus sakei; Listeria innocua; Listeria monocytogenes; Propionibacterium; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus carnosus; Streptococcus caprinus; Streptococcus  ( Enterococcus )  faecalis; Streptococcus pneumonia ; or  Streptococcus pyogenes.    
     
     
       5. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the substance or composition is in the form of a liquid formulation, ointment formulation, lotion formulation, cream formulation, gel formulation, liquid spray, lyophilized powder, lyophilized spray, mouth wash, or gargle. 
     
     
       6. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the substance or composition is for the treatment of ear infections, skin infections, wound infections, sinus infections, sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, or throat infections.